SSFD is one of 19 independent community-based fire and rescue departments in Montgomery County with an active riding membership of over 50 men and women.
The growth and success of the SSFD are due to the spirit of the early volunteers and sustained by the present members, both career and volunteer. You too can be part of this dynamic community organization.
Quick Facts
- Silver Spring Fire Department was organized in 1915 following a fire that destroyed a one-story frame dwelling that housed the post office. A public meeting was called by the Ladies Co-operative Improvement Society to encourage the organization of a fire department.
- A shed was donated and the new organization began soliciting funds. Within a few months a hand-drawn 60-gallon chemical wagon was placed in service. A large farm bell was used to alert the volunteers.
- In 1918, two major events occurred. First was acquisition of a motorized fire engine that carried two 20-gallon chemical tanks and other equipment. The second event was purchase of the National Guard Armory at 8131 Georgia Ave. (Station 1) for used as a fire station.
- In 1920, water mains and fire hydrants were provided. the fire department kept pace and purchased a 'modern' 350 gallons per minute (gpm) fire engine (today's engines pump 1,250 gpm or more).
- In 1927, state legislation allowed the county Commissioners to provide, from taxes, $1,500 to each fire department for operating expenses.
- In 1947, an additional station 16 at 111 University Blvd. East in 1968.
- In 1959, a third facility, Station 19, was built at 1945 Seminary Rd.
- In 2007, a new Station 1 was opened next to the B&O Railroad Museum. This state of the art 4 story structure houses a Montgomery County Police Dept. sub-station on the second floor, the urban district offices on the third floor and a fourth floor which is still being developed.
- Between 2013–2023, we averaged 45 calls per day.
SSFD Officers
Claire Cramer
President
Harold Tarver
Vice President
Gerald Leener
Treasurer
Susan Myatt
Recording Secretary
Board of Trustees
Jon Lebruto
Margaret Fowke
Mark Perlman
Arnold Passman
Kerri Dorsey
Membership Chair
Tess Wood
Quartermaster
Contact Us
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Emergency: 911
Non-emergency: 301-587-3400
Mail Us
Silver Spring Fire Department
1945 Seminary Road
Silver Spring, MD 20910